Speaking at the
opening ceremony of Iran Expo 2025 in Tehran, attended by President
Masoud Pezeshkian and delegations from over 100 countries, Atabak said the
Islamic Republic exported 152 million tonnes of goods in the previous Iranian
calendar year. He added that Iran’s trade balance, excluding imported gold,
posted a surplus of $8 billion.
“Trade is more
than a commercial exchange—it is a common language between nations and a bridge
linking cultures,” Atabak told participants, while highlighting Iran’s
historical trade legacy and modern-day economic potential in mining, energy,
agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and medical tourism.
The minister also
praised the government's focus on foreign trade and laid out plans under Iran’s
Seventh Development Plan, targeting a 23% annual growth in non-oil exports. Key
strategic markets include Africa, West and South Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin
America, and Eastern Europe.
Iran’s total
foreign trade volume grew by 11% year-on-year to $130 billion, according to the
minister.
Also addressing
the event, Mohammad Ali Dehghan Dehnavi, head of Iran’s Trade Promotion
Organization, described the expo as a platform for economic integration and
strengthened diplomatic ties. He said over 1,000 Iranian companies were
showcasing their capabilities, and more than 3,100 international business
representatives and 190 high-ranking officials from 111 countries were
attending.
“Iran Expo is
more than a trade event; it’s an opportunity for nations to forge enduring
partnerships and contribute to global prosperity,” Dehnavi said.
Iran Expo 2025
runs from April 28 to May 2 at Tehran’s International Exhibition Center.